University of Cambridge

University

Primary Education (Early Primary, 3-7)

The course provides placements in both the foundation stage and key stage 1, with opportunities for nursery placements for trainees with a personal interest in working with younger children; the course includes day visits to centres of excellence, including a children's centre, to develop knowledge of integrated provision and observe high quality provision; there are also distinctive professional studies seminars and curriculum courses, delivered by specialists in the age group, which address issues of relevant subject knowledge and appropriate pedagogical approaches.

Entry requirements

Good Honours degree in a subject relevant to the primary curriculum required, together with 3 A-levels at grade C or above, and with GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in English language and mathematics and science; it is expected that all applicants for a PGCE course have undertaken at least 5-10 days recent work experience or observation in a mainstream UK state school, working alongside children within the appropriate age ranges for their course choice, and be able to draw on this experience in their application.

Course modules

Course content covers areas such as: child development and the ways in which children learn; inclusive practice and cross-curricular themes; practical issues inherent in classroom teaching including: planning, assessment, behaviour management and the wider role of the teacher; trainees also consider how to teach the core and foundation subjects of the early years education.